Driving that premium were the grocery’s protein products — eggs, chicken and beef — which were 28 percent costlier than the competition’s, Morgan Stanley’s analysts found.

“When Amazon bought Whole Foods, everyone thought ..., ‘Now I’m going to be able to buy quality stuff at Whole Foods at Amazon prices,’” said Kevin Brasler, executive editor of Consumers’ Checkbook, which recently conducted its own grocery price study in the Philadelphia area. “They’ve lowered prices based on our most recent research, but not a lot.”

A Whole Foods spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.

The chain recently rolled out new perks for Prime members that will give Amazon’s loyal customers special discounts. Consumers who pay $119 per year for Prime can save 10 percent off sale items and some other products at Whole Foods.

Philadelphia Inquirer

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